The Australian Computer Society (ACS) has launched their 2017 Digital Life Report during this year’s CeBIT conference in Sydney. With ICT such a critical component of the country’s economic future, it provides a snapshot into the influence of technology in everyone’s life and where the IT industry stands in a number of important areas.
The report, which was carried out for the ACS by Deloitte Access Economics made a number of important findings including:
- CT is a key driver of Australia’s economic future. Currently a digital boom is occurring with 40,000 ICT jobs created in just the last two years, and ICT services exports up 12% to $2.8b.
- New economic modelling shows that adoption of digital technologies has lifted Australia’s GDP by 6.6% over the previous decade – with each Australian being $4,663 a year better off (in 2016 dollars).
- However, 81,000 new ICT professionals are needed by 2022 to fuel future technology-led growth. Without skilled ICT labour our nation will stagnate.
- Diversity is still an issue – women represent only 28% of the ICT workforce (compared to 44% across all professional industries) and older workers (55+) only represent 12% of Australia’s ICT workforce.
- LinkedIn data reveals technical skills are in high demand – how will Australia meet this need to reap the advantages of a digital future?
So, while we are reaping great benefits from technology, the continued economic benefit of technology is threatened by a lack of ICT skills as our demand for IT professionals outstrips the supply.
Comments
2 responses to “ACS Report Finds ICT Benefits Under Threat”
I’m not surprised the percentage of 55+ workers employed in ICT is so low. I know 8 or 10 just in my own little circle who have been laid off and can’t get another gig. It’s not that these workers aren’t out there — and looking for work — it’s that they’re being deliberately overlooked by hiring managers.
Some positions are luckly to be screened by actual people – this can hamper one’s chances.
My guess is unless you use the same/similar words in your Resume/Key Selection Criteria/Cover Letter that’s in the job description and KSC, while being succinct but also articulating what interests the hiring manager, with out the fluff, than you’re limiting your chances.
Not sure if it helps, but sometimes calling them – assuming the conversation goes smoothly – can possibly make a good impression and increase your chances in the shortlisting process.
Granted, this could also deter the recruiter/manager, coming off as desperate or raising doubt/concern during the conversation.
Note a few questions that’ll add value before calling and have a positive, professional approach, not casual.
They say resumes/CV’s have a 30 look-in; if it doesn’t captivate the reader within that period, it’s over.
It’s almost pot luck – then if you’re shortlisted, the interview is the next challenge…
If you’re fortunate, brush up on potential questions that might be asked; these will likely releate the the Key Selection Criteria, job description and importantly, experiences that relate to the position using the S.T.A.R. Method: Situation/Task, Action and Result.
If the experience had a bad situation occur, talk about what you did to resolve the issue – this adds substance and shows your problem solving abilities.
I’m no expert by any stretch, but thought I’d share a few tips.